Study Bachelor of Film and Television at the University of South Australia (UniSA). Information for Australian students.

Entry Scores
2025 Guaranteed Entry
Year 12 (ATAR-based): 65.00
Year 12 (Grades-based): B,B,C
TAFE/RTO: DIP
View Guaranteed Entry Info
2024 Cut-Offs
Year 12 (ATAR-based):
- Internal: 65.00
TAFE/RTO: Cert IV
View full entry requirements

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.

Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.

Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfill any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:

Recent secondary education
Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent
AND
- Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
- Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE, or
- Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points
Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.

Recent secondary education ATAR profile

OR
Higher education study
- Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution, or
- Complete at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at undergraduate level or above
OR
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
- Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Certificate IV or above
OR
Work and life experience
- Qualify for Special Entry, or
- Complete a 12-month UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
- Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past
Essential requirements for admission
Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None
View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements

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Degree overview

Study this degree if you want to work in the Film and Television industry in a range of key creative roles such as director, cinematographer or screenwriter or as a creative content producer in any industry, including advertising, sports, health and education.
Specialise in Film and Television Production or Visual Effects.
Gain an understanding of the professional production cycle from conceptualisation through to production and post-production.
Work on real-world projects with industry professionals.
Learn in state-of-the-art television and radio studios - UniSA is home to one of SA’s largest green screens with motion capture technology.
Work with the latest industry standard software, hardware and technology.
Have the opportunity to study the entire third year of your degree with Rising Sun Pictures*
Apply for the Bachelor of Film and Television/Master of Teaching (Secondary) packaged option– it’s a pathway straight into postgraduate study.
Graduate career ready, with your own digital portfolio of work.
We have world-class research in Creative Arts and Writing, Language, Communication and Culture¹.
UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities², we’ll ensure you get the experience your future profession demands so it’ll feel like you’re studying one minute and in a career the next.

*Entry is competitive and skills and performance may be taken into account.
¹2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)
²UNSTOPPABLE® is a Kellogg Company trade mark used under licence. Ranked #52, 2023 THE Young University Rankings.

Snapshot

The Bachelor of Film and Television is an innovative degree that puts you at the cutting edge of film, television and visual effects (VFX) production and theory.

You'll develop the technical knowledge and experience needed to enter the exciting world of screen production and content creation. While you study, you will develop the skills and network you need for a successful career in the creative industries, graduating with a digital portfolio of work and practical industry experience.

You also have the opportunity to specialise in visual effects in your third year of study at world-renowned VFX studio Rising Sun Pictures, where you will study alongside industry professionals and mentors.

After completing your degree, you can opt to amplify your screen production industry skills and knowledge by continuing into our 12-week Graduate Certificate in Film and Television. If you finish your degree with a credit or higher grade point average (GPA), you could be eligible for the one-year Bachelor of Creative Arts (Honours) degree.

You could also continue your studies with a Master of Teaching and become a media arts teacher. If this interests you, please read How Do I Become a Teacher before selecting your courses.

Amplify your screen production industry and skills and knowledge by continuing into our 12-week Graduate Certificate of Film and Television.

If you would like to apply directly into the Bachelor of Film and Television/Master of Teaching (Secondary) packaged option, please apply via SATAC using 444531.

What you'll learn

Throughout the degree, you will explore theory and practice combining traditional and digital forms required by industry. You will gain an understanding in all stages of the professional production cycle from conceptualisation and script writing, through to production and post-production.

You will analyse film and media from around the globe to gain insight into different creative contexts, forms and practices. You will develop professional knowledge in screenwriting, cinematic design, and the production of documentary, experimental and narrative film and television, and VFX, while understanding different media platforms and the end-user experience.

In the Film and Television Production specialisation, you will complete a series of industry, production and screen theory courses. In the Visual Effects specialisation, you will study the third year of the degree at Rising Sun Pictures, working alongside world-class visual effects artists who have created hundreds of sequences for motion pictures, including Thor: Love and Thunder, Elvis, Hawkeye, and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.

You will engage with industry leaders across all disciplines, work on real-world projects and use the latest production software and technologies, graduating career ready with your own portfolio of production work, showcasing your practical skills and creativity across a variety of media forms.

You'll work autonomously and collaboratively throughout the degree - just like in industry! You’ll work across a range of different roles, preparing you for a move into national and international industries when you graduate.

You can gain an extra qualification and broaden your career prospects by completing a Diploma in Languages.

Degree structure

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units	Reference
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Hollywood Film and Television	INFT 1015	4.5
Cinematic Design	INFT 1019	4.5
Introduction to Digital Media	INFT 1014	4.5
Introduction to Screenwriting	COMM 1079	4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 and 6
Global Film and Television	COMM 1077	4.5
Introduction to CGI	COMM 1067	4.5
Introduction to Screen Sound	COMM 1078	4.5
Cinematography and Editing	COMM 1084	4.5
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Narrative Film	COMM 2084	4.5
Screen Genres and Media Hybrids	COMM 2085	4.5
Digital Compositing	COMM 2094	4.5
Hard Surface Modelling	COMM 2096	4.5	Note(s): 3,4
OR
Elective		4.5	Note(s): 5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Documentary Film	COMM 2081	4.5
Dynamic Effects	COMM 3068	4.5
Character Performance	COMM 2083	4.5
OR
Understanding Popular Culture	HUMS 2045	4.5
Development and Lighting	COMM 2097	4.5	Note(s): 3,4
OR
Elective		4.5	Note(s): 5
THIRD YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Film, Entertainment and Aesthetics	COMM 3080	4.5	Note(s): 6
Experimental Studio	COMM 3066	4.5	Note(s): 6
Internship or Project	COMM 3063	4.5	Note(s): 6,8
Elective		4.5	Note(s): 5,6,7
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Creative Production	COMM 3065	4.5	Note(s): 6
Science Fiction Film and Television	COMM 3067	4.5	Note(s): 6
Digital Mediascapes	COMM 3079	4.5	Note(s): 6
Elective		4.5	Note(s): 5,6,7

Majors, Sub-majors & Minors

Digital Media

Journalism

Communication and Media

Creative Writing and Literature

Performing Arts

Social Media

Cultural Studies

Design Studies

Games Design and Production

Aboriginal Studies

Electives

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units
Aboriginal Studies
Aboriginal Cultures	HUMS 1035	4.5
Contemporary Aboriginal Issues	HUMS 1034	4.5
Communication and Reciprocity	COMM 2060	4.5
Caring for Country	ENVT 1017	4.5
Aboriginal Rights and Interculturality	SOCU 3035	4.5
Still and Moving Images
Animation Design	GRAP 2028	4.5
The Moving Image: Film, Art and Theory	VSAR 2014	4.5
Digital Photography	VSAR 2067	4.5
Black and White Photography	VSAR 2069	4.5
Storytelling
The Power of Story	LANG 2005	4.5
Digital Performance	PERF 2014	4.5
Virtual Reality Storytelling	COMM 3081	4.5
Screen Media Authorships	COMM 2100	4.5
Other approved electives
Introduction to Comicbooks as Literature	COMM 1080	4.5
Introduction to Festivals	COMM 1082	4.5
Festivals Operational Management	COMM 2102	4.5
UO Introduction to Social Media	COMM 1073	4.5
Digital Media
UO Digital Graphics and Imaging	GRAP 1027	4.5
Web Design Technology	GRAP 3012	4.5
Web Design and Development	COMM 2082	4.5
Design for Digital Technologies	COMM 2080	4.5

Rules & notes

Notes

1. Students intending to undertake a Master of Teaching (Secondary) should consult with the MBME Program Director for a schedule of recommended courses.

2. Students undertaking POLI 3014 Hawke Ambassador International Volunteer Experience course must consult with their Program Director to arrange their program structure.

3. Students completing the Visual Effects (VFX) stream should select these courses.

4. This course is taught in conjunction with Rising Sun Pictures at an off-campus location consisting of one 3-hour workshop each week for 12 weeks.

5. Students not undertaking the Visual Effects stream should complete a minor (4 x courses) from the approved minor list in place of their electives. Students who wish to select a minor outside of the approved list should consult with the Program Director.

6. Students who complete the visual effects courses in second year may be eligible to undertake the 1-year placement with Rising Sun Pictures in third year, which is composed of 2 x 18-unit courses, Visual Effects Placement and Visual Effects Project in lieu of all other final year courses. Places are limited and selection will be merit-based. Refer to the UniSA Creative portfolio requirements website for more information. https://study.unisa.edu.au/careers/creative-careers/#requirements

7. Students intending to apply for the Master of Teaching MMET should use one of their electives to enrol in Digital Design Essentials COMM 1066.

8. Students who have completed 54 units (1.5 years) of their MBME program are eligible to apply for participation in the Film Concept Lab. Students can complete up to 27 units of the Film Concept Lab as part of their program structure over three semesters. Limited places are available. Students will be required to submit an application including a portfolio of relevant work (a 1-2 minute production show reel) to the Program Director. Students will be selected based on the quality of work in the submitted portfolio and their program GPA.

Study hours

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week.

Assessment

Your studies will incorporate practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. There may be essays, assignments and occasional exams. You could also expect:

industry-relevant projects
oral or online presentations
finished work such as films, animations or VFX sequences
journals outlining your experiences working on a project

Global opportunities

Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.

You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.

Take a look at the global opportunities available.

Why Bachelor of Film and Television

This degree provides you with transferable ideas, skills and a broad body of professional knowledge in the discipline strands of Film and Television Production, and Visual Effects.

Our graduates include a winner of the South Australian Film Corporation Young Filmmakers of the Future Award, Tropfest finalists, Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) Award nominees, and over 170 professionals currently working in the VFX industry. The Bachelor of Film and Television puts you at the cutting edge of screen production development, combining theoretical learning with hands-on production in creative media. You will:

work on real-world projects with industry professionals
learn in state-of-the-art television and radio studios that boast industry-standard equipment including motion capture technology and 8K studio cameras
use the latest industry-standard software, hardware and technology

Within the Visual Effects specialisation, you have the opportunity to spend the entire third year of the degree studying at award-winning VFX company Rising Sun Pictures*. You will receive practical training in the core skills of entry-level VFX artists, produce an industry-standard showreel of work, and establish valuable industry networks. Within the Film and Television Production specialisation, you have the opportunity to complete an 80-hour internship^ with an employer of your choice.

*please note that you will need to apply for this opportunity and entry is competitive. Courses will be delivered at the RSP studios based in the Adelaide CBD.
^GPA of 5.0 or above is required.

Real-world connections

This degree is hands-on and practical. It includes industry-based courses so you can build vital relationships that may be beneficial after graduation. In one of our most popular industry placements, selected students spend their entire final year studying with VFX studio, Rising Sun Pictures. They get practical training in the core skills of entry-level visual effects artists, and build their industry networks. You could also develop your networks by taking part in an internship, student exchange, or industry placement.

We also host regular University-wide employee masterclasses, employment expos, and alumni events in Australia and overseas.

Hear from graduate, Keachie Manalastas, as she talks about her experience studying UniSA's Bachelor of Media Arts (now called Bachelor of Film and Television) which equipped her for work experience with Mighty Kingdom where she now works.

Career outcomes

Your career

Film and television professionals are curious and observant; they are creative and dedicated to expressing their experience of the world. Our students are passionate about the television, film, visual effects, game design, and digital production industries. Career outcomes include:

Director / Filmmaker: create, direct or produce feature or short films for cinema, television or online
Creative Content Producer: shoot and edit content for any industry including sports, real estate and advertising
Visual Effects Artist: work as a compositor, FX artist, modeller, lighting artist, VFX animator, editor, or production coordinator
Video Editor: part of the post-production process, video editing can also include working with visual effects
Screenwriter: develop ideas and scripts for film and television productions
Cinematographer / DOP: Coordinate and manage film crews and develop the ‘visual look’ of a production
Film or Television Producer or Production Manager: can be in charge of everything from scheduling and budgeting to creative control of a program.

Industry facts

In 2021, the total Australian media and entertainment market reached $45.6 billion¹.

¹PwC’s Entertainment & Media Outlook 2022?

The South Australian screen workforce has more than tripled in the six years to 2020¹.

¹‘SA Screen Industry Workforce Development Strategy’ SAFC 2023

In 2021–22, Australia’s total drama production expenditure achieved a record high of $2.2bn. This was a 17% increase on the previous record of $1.9bn set in 2020-21¹.

¹‘SA Screen Industry Workforce Development Strategy’ SAFC 2023

UniStart - your 100% online pathway to a degree

Just starting out on your university journey, don’t meet the entry requirements for your chosen degree, or want to refresh your study skills? Set yourself up for success and pave the way to a degree with UniStart, UniSA Online’s six-month pathway program launching in 2025.

Apply now

How to apply

Applying to study with us:

go to the top of this page and make note of the relevant SATAC code^*, then click Apply
you will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application

^*There are two SATAC codes – one for this degree, and one for this degree packaged with the Master of Teaching. You can apply to study this degree on its own. However if you already know you would like to combine it with a Master of Teaching, you can apply for both together.

Alternative Pathways

Australian
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:

International
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:

SAIBT Diploma of Arts

Deferment

This degree is available for deferment. This option is made available by responding to your offer during the application process via the SATAC website. Applicants who receive an offer into a midyear degree are eligible to defer for six months.

Credit Transfer

Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you're eligible for credit from previous studies.

Go to credit assessor

Entry pathway

We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.

Find a Pathway

Scholarships

Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.

More scholarships

UniSA Excellence Scholarships

$5,000 scholarship for South Australian students with an ATAR of 99 who enrol to study a UniSA undergraduate degree.

Learn more

UniSA Outstanding Achievement Scholarship

Up to $10,000 per annum (full time) for South Australian students who obtain an ATAR of 99.95 or IB equivalent and enrol to study at UniSA.

Learn more

Your study experience and support

Our campuses are home to fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. But you’ll also discover that your journey at UniSA is about social experiences, healthy living and getting involved. You’ll find student sports and fitness facilities, community clinics, tech zones and chill-out spaces. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and loads more.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

Film and Television students also have the opportunity to get involved in the online student radio station, UniCast, and our TV studio, where various Community Channel 44 TV shows broadcast live from our Magill campus.

Student services

Our student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:

academic counselling
personal counselling
social support services, including family support and nearby childcare
common rooms
prayer rooms
security officers
career services and mentoring
Wirringka Student Services, offering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students a supportive place to study
as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.

When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.

24/7 digital environment

Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.

Your campus

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.

Your study spaces

As a Film and Television student you will have access to:

dedicated computer/editing suites with state-of-the-art software, so you can work on high-end VFX and animation projects.
industry-standard facilities including a TV studio, online radio studio and sound studio.
one of South Australia’s largest green screens with motion capture technology and 8K studio cameras.

Your program director

Dr Kim Munro

Program Director

Enquire

Dr Kim Munro

Program Director

Enquire

Ask UniSA

How do I apply?

The way you apply for UniSA will depend on the undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree you're interested in studying.

The majority of applications are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Check out more information on the SATAC website and follow the appropriate process for your degree of interest.

There are a small number of degrees that you need to apply for through direct application processes. The process you need to follow will be listed on the 'How to Apply' section of the degree homepage, but you'll also be taken to where you need to go if you hit the 'apply' button.

If you are interested in studying one of our 100% online degrees you'll need to apply directly to UniSA Online.

You can find more information about the application processes for UniSA on our How to Apply webpage.

If you're more interested in applying for a postgraduate degree by research, check out and follow the information in our step by step guide to applying.
Is there a closing date for applications?

Applications for all degrees will close ahead of study commencing, but the timelines may vary for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

Undergraduate

The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be guaranteed equal consideration is generally in very late November or early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers. More competitive degrees may not make any offers after the main offer round. Find more information on the Key Dates section of the SATAC website, but you can also call the Future Student Enquiries team for more information on 08 8302 376.

Postgraduate

Many postgraduate by coursework degrees do not have set closing dates. The exceptions are highly competitive degrees, so it is best to check – either on the degree homepage on the SATAC website or by checking with our Future Student Enquiries team.

As most postgraduate applications are assessed as they are submitted and offers are continuous, there are no set closing dates for applications. Degrees can be filled and closed with little notice so it is best to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on a place. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquires team on (08) 8302 2376 or submit an enquiry.
What credit can I receive for previous studies?

You may be eligible for credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area and completed within a certain timeframe. Receiving credit or RPL will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree. You can read more about our pre-existing credit agreements through our online Credit Assessor. If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) for this experience. Credit and RPL is assessed by the Program Director once you've received an offer, and you apply through UniSA's current student experts, Campus Central.
Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?

Future Student Enquiries welcomes the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your study options at UniSA. We can discuss degree information, entry requirements and pathways, applications, general career outcomes and student life, so you have the information to make the best study decision for your future. Head to our Book an Appointment webpage to find a date and time to speak with us, and take your next steps on journey to university study.

More FAQs

What others are saying

I love that my degree has both theory and practical components. The teachers are fantastic – they are great at explaining things and are passionate about the topics we study. I was really impressed by the available film equipment UniSA has to offer, as well as the television and green-screen studios.

Grace Miles

Bachelor of Media Arts (now called the Bachelor of Film and Television)

Grace Miles

Bachelor of Media Arts (now called the Bachelor of Film and Television)

My time at UniSA massively set me up for the challenges ahead; especially on how to work on multiple projects at once. My biggest piece of advice for film students is to get your hands dirty! As a producer, I still make sure that all of my camera, audio, lighting and editing skills are up to date because then I can help out on the low budget projects in all aspects. It also gives you some scope as to how long something takes to be able to schedule correctly, and also how stressful or taxing each task might be on your crew so you can plan ahead. I love working in film, it’s crazy, it’s stressful, it’s collaborative and you end up with an amazing piece of work to show the world at the end!

Jodie Kirkbride

Bachelor of Media Arts (now called the Bachelor of Film and Television)
Producer's Assistant | KOJO

Jodie Kirkbride

Bachelor of Media Arts (now called the Bachelor of Film and Television)
Producer's Assistant | KOJO

I have really enjoyed working with and learning from teachers that are, or have been, active in the film industry. Whether it is using a sophisticated camera for the first time, or working with industry-recognised CGI and VFX programs, there is no match for learning from experienced professionals.

Lachlan Doherty

Bachelor of Media Arts (now called the Bachelor of Film and Television)